Marine Safety

16 members attended a very instructive talk by Marty O'Connell from Marine Safety, at the last Members' Night (with thanks to Ian Morris for organising) - here are a few notes I took that may act as a good reminder for safe fishing and boating in the coming season:

2.1 - Marty mentioned a new Bureau of Meteorology site for weather forecasts - "Met Eye": - this is BRLLIANT!!

http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/

- the map includes forecast wind direction and speed for almost all of Australia, and you can step (manually or automatically) through every 3 hours for the next WEEK!! to see what's coming up
- remember that to the forecast wind figure you should allow +40% for gusts
- for wave height forecasts you should allow double the forecast "significant wave height" figure (I will have to remember this next time I am on the surf)

2.2 Remember that your PFD (Personal Flotation Device a.k.a. life jacket) requires servicing every 12 months - you need to know whether you can self-inspect, or whether you have to get it serviced:
SERVICING OF PFDs (below copied from the Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook):
PFDs must be maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations to ensure the devices continue to operate the way they are supposed to. Refer to the manufacturers’ website or information provided at time of sale for full servicing details relevant to your PFD.
It is essential to periodically check the PFD’s fabric, flotation, zippers, buckles, waist belts and all fastenings for signs of excessive wear, cracking, fraying or anything to indicate possible loss of strength or flotation.
SERVICING OF INFLATABLE PFDs
The Marine Safety Regulations require that inflatable PFDs be maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations and requirements to ensure the devices continue to operate the way they are supposed to in an emergency. Most manufacturers provide a maintenance schedule including self checking and periodic servicing by an approved service agent.

2.3 Here are Marty's questions for weather forecasts:
- Are there any warnings?
- are the weather conditions affecting safe navigation and comfort?
- what are the wind trends?
- what are the wave conditions?
- when is the next high and low tide?